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House-Flipper Mystery #5
Primer and Punishment
Whitney Whitaker has a knack for nailing down murderers . . . but this time she might just come unmoored.
Carpenter Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are looking once again to rehab and resell a house, only this particular house is made of fiberglass, floats, and has been dubbed the Skinny Dipper. The old houseboat sure could use some work, but the unusual project has Whitney bubbling with excitement.
The charming and handsome Grant Hardisty lives on the cabin cruiser in the adjacent slip, but the cousins soon learn he’s left a half dozen angry ex-wives in his wake and made enemies of all sorts of unsavory folks. The man is clearly caught in an increasingly dangerous current with no life preserver in sight.
Whitney and Buck are spraying primer on their houseboat when—KABOOM!—Grant’s boat blows sky high with the man himself inside. Detective Collin Flynn has no shortage of suspects, but the waters become muddied when several of them confess to the crime. Is one of those who confessed truly guilty, or are they taking a dive for someone else? When anonymous threats are made against the cousins, Whitney must quickly determine who killed their neighbor at the lake, or she and Buck might also be sunk.
Carpenter Whitney Whitaker and her cousin Buck are looking once again to rehab and resell a house, only this particular house is made of fiberglass, floats, and has been dubbed the Skinny Dipper. The old houseboat sure could use some work, but the unusual project has Whitney bubbling with excitement.
The charming and handsome Grant Hardisty lives on the cabin cruiser in the adjacent slip, but the cousins soon learn he’s left a half dozen angry ex-wives in his wake and made enemies of all sorts of unsavory folks. The man is clearly caught in an increasingly dangerous current with no life preserver in sight.
Whitney and Buck are spraying primer on their houseboat when—KABOOM!—Grant’s boat blows sky high with the man himself inside. Detective Collin Flynn has no shortage of suspects, but the waters become muddied when several of them confess to the crime. Is one of those who confessed truly guilty, or are they taking a dive for someone else? When anonymous threats are made against the cousins, Whitney must quickly determine who killed their neighbor at the lake, or she and Buck might also be sunk.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2023
49 people are currently reading
5150 people want to read
About the author
Diane Kelly
69 books1,230 followersAward-winning author Diane Kelly writes romance and romantic mysteries featuring feisty heroines, quirky sidekicks, and sexy leading men, with humor that leaves readers laughing out loud.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
April 5, 2023
Primer and Punishment by Diane Kelly is the fifth book in the cozy House-Flipper Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each of these books in the series could be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so as the mystery within is fully solved during the book. There is of course some character development carried over book to book for those fans following in order from the beginning.
In the House-Flipper Mystery series Whitney Whitaker had been working as a property manager to pay the bills while she had been living in her parents pool house with her cat, Sawdust. Real estate and renovating were really Whitney’s passions so whenever she got the chance she was diving into the house flipping business with her cousin Buck.
This time around Whitney’s cousin Buck has really taken Whitney out of her comfort zone looking for their next rehab project. Buck stumbled upon an old houseboat named the Skinny Dipper for sale and is convinced it will bring in a nice profit. Unfortunately for Buck and Whitney though another murder occurs when their neighbor at the marina boat explodes.
The House-Flipper Mystery series is another that I have followed from the very start and have fallen in love with reading. I have a secret HGTV addiction so the whole renovation side appealed to me to start but I come back each time enjoying the characters and the humor I find within. This is a great series for those that love a little laughter and a lot of fun in their cozy reads!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In the House-Flipper Mystery series Whitney Whitaker had been working as a property manager to pay the bills while she had been living in her parents pool house with her cat, Sawdust. Real estate and renovating were really Whitney’s passions so whenever she got the chance she was diving into the house flipping business with her cousin Buck.
This time around Whitney’s cousin Buck has really taken Whitney out of her comfort zone looking for their next rehab project. Buck stumbled upon an old houseboat named the Skinny Dipper for sale and is convinced it will bring in a nice profit. Unfortunately for Buck and Whitney though another murder occurs when their neighbor at the marina boat explodes.
The House-Flipper Mystery series is another that I have followed from the very start and have fallen in love with reading. I have a secret HGTV addiction so the whole renovation side appealed to me to start but I come back each time enjoying the characters and the humor I find within. This is a great series for those that love a little laughter and a lot of fun in their cozy reads!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 27, 2023
Primer and Punishment by Diane Kelly
House-flipper mystery series #5. Cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Whitney Whitaker and cousin Buck buy a houseboat for flipping in this mystery installment. It’s a good investment for them but living on the boat temporarily has them getting to know their boat neighbors too. It’s not always quiet with the divorcing boat owner in the berth next to them with ex-wives, fishing friends, and bar buddies dropping by.
It’s a cozy, so it’s not a spoiler when the neighbor ends up dead and Whitney starts investigating.
Lots of questions, and a sharp eye for details makes Whitney a decent investigator. Having a detective for a boyfriend is also a bonus for information and skirting potential problems.
Amusing and smart, this mystery is delightful.
Bonus chapters from the POV of Sawdust are amusing and uniquely “cat-like”.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
House-flipper mystery series #5. Cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Whitney Whitaker and cousin Buck buy a houseboat for flipping in this mystery installment. It’s a good investment for them but living on the boat temporarily has them getting to know their boat neighbors too. It’s not always quiet with the divorcing boat owner in the berth next to them with ex-wives, fishing friends, and bar buddies dropping by.
It’s a cozy, so it’s not a spoiler when the neighbor ends up dead and Whitney starts investigating.
Lots of questions, and a sharp eye for details makes Whitney a decent investigator. Having a detective for a boyfriend is also a bonus for information and skirting potential problems.
Amusing and smart, this mystery is delightful.
Bonus chapters from the POV of Sawdust are amusing and uniquely “cat-like”.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
January 23, 2023
Primer and Punishment is the 5th installment in the House Flipper Mysteries set in Nashville, Tennessee. Whitney Whitaker and her cousin, Buck Whitaker, have decided to flip a houseboat called The Skinny Dipper located on Old Hickory Lake. They believe it will be a quick, uneventful flip. And while it doesn't take long to refurbish the boat, there is an extraordinary event that happens to the boat in the adjoining slip. To make things even more interesting, numerous people confess to the crime. Using her intuition and natural sleuthing skills, Whitney is able to help law enforcement catch the wrong-doer. What makes the book more fun is the wedding festivities for Whitney's best friend, Collette, and her cousin Buck.
I can't wait to try the recipe the author, Diane Kelly, has included for Mermaid Paradise Punch!
I can't wait to try the recipe the author, Diane Kelly, has included for Mermaid Paradise Punch!
March 6, 2023
What an exciting outing in the House-flipper cozy mystery series by Diane Kelly! Buck, Whitney Whitaker's cousin and partner in their rehab business, has chosen a fixer-upper houseboat for their next project. Things start off well as they begin the work and soon they meet the guy who owns the boat in the next slip named Grant Hardisty. He is a charming manipulator with five ex-wives and a bum knee injured in a fall. Buck learns quickly that Grant is not to be trusted.
When the situation becomes deadly, Whitney can't help but feel responsible for pointing the police in the wrong direction, so she steps in try to help find the guilty party. The story is told from Whitney's first person perspective but occasionally Whitney's cat Sawdust chimes in with his own charming observations.
The plot is well fleshed out with several possibilities but remains light-hearted and filled with interesting characters and fun situations as Whitney and her friends get ready for Buck and Colette's wedding. They want to have the houseboat finished in time to host both the bachelorette and bachelor parties in grand style.
Such a charming ending! Can't wait to see what happens next in Whitney's life. As always, the cover art is adorable and many thanks to the author for including two delicious-sounding recipes at the end of the book.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
When the situation becomes deadly, Whitney can't help but feel responsible for pointing the police in the wrong direction, so she steps in try to help find the guilty party. The story is told from Whitney's first person perspective but occasionally Whitney's cat Sawdust chimes in with his own charming observations.
The plot is well fleshed out with several possibilities but remains light-hearted and filled with interesting characters and fun situations as Whitney and her friends get ready for Buck and Colette's wedding. They want to have the houseboat finished in time to host both the bachelorette and bachelor parties in grand style.
Such a charming ending! Can't wait to see what happens next in Whitney's life. As always, the cover art is adorable and many thanks to the author for including two delicious-sounding recipes at the end of the book.
I received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks for the opportunity. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
January 22, 2023
Whitney Whittaker and her cousin Buck's next rehab project is a houseboat. They've never done one before but think that they can do a quick turnaround. They need something quick because Buck's wedding to Whitney's best friend Colette is coming soon.
While they are working on the houseboat, they meet the guy whose boat is in the next slip. Grant Hardisty seems like a handsome and charming guy who is dealing with an injury to his knee. He has a black lab mix puppy who is a bit too much for him to handle. He also has a string of ex-wives and a number of women he's met on dating apps. Oh, and the couple he cheated out of the boat are also coming around often to try to get their boat back.
When Grant takes his boat out of the slip to grill his dinner and not mess up Whitney and Buck's new paint, his boat explodes. Fire investigators don't think that it was an accident. There are numerous suspects and, oddly, a number of them confess to killing Grant. When one of them confesses to the Nashville Police Department, Whitney's boyfriend Collin is assigned to the case.
Whitney begins looking around because she doesn't believe the confession one of the suspects gives. She liked the woman and didn't want to believe she'd killed her soon-to-be ex. Whitney finds a number of suspicious characters that she feels had a better motive for Grant's death.
This was another fun episode in this contemporary cozy series.
While they are working on the houseboat, they meet the guy whose boat is in the next slip. Grant Hardisty seems like a handsome and charming guy who is dealing with an injury to his knee. He has a black lab mix puppy who is a bit too much for him to handle. He also has a string of ex-wives and a number of women he's met on dating apps. Oh, and the couple he cheated out of the boat are also coming around often to try to get their boat back.
When Grant takes his boat out of the slip to grill his dinner and not mess up Whitney and Buck's new paint, his boat explodes. Fire investigators don't think that it was an accident. There are numerous suspects and, oddly, a number of them confess to killing Grant. When one of them confesses to the Nashville Police Department, Whitney's boyfriend Collin is assigned to the case.
Whitney begins looking around because she doesn't believe the confession one of the suspects gives. She liked the woman and didn't want to believe she'd killed her soon-to-be ex. Whitney finds a number of suspicious characters that she feels had a better motive for Grant's death.
This was another fun episode in this contemporary cozy series.
December 29, 2022
Whitney and her cousin Buck make a living flipping houses. They are trying a new flip: a houseboat. The person in the next boat, Grant, initially seems friendly, but apparently he has a lot of baggage: multiple ex-wives, no job, and a questionable injury he says prevents him from working. There is a terrible explosion at the marina, and Whitney decides to investigate. I really had to suspend disbelief when so many people agreed to talk to her, since she was basically a busybody and not an investigator or in law enforcement. Every time she got some new information, the professionals would look into it; surprisingly, they did not tell her to back off. I did like the house flipper mystery premise and the animals in the book, Sawdust and Jojo. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 25, 2023
Primer and Punishment is the first book in this five-book cozy mystery series that I’ve read and it worked just fine as a standalone. Whitney and Buck are cousins who renovate homes/buildings in the Nashville, TN area, and resell them (“house flippers”). This time they decide to do a houseboat, so there’s a bunch of information about boats that will either interest you or bore you, depending on your interest in boats. The man in the next boat slip turns out to have made a number of enemies (including four ex-wives and a fifth one who is trying to get him to sign divorce settlement papers!) and winds up dead in an explosion (not a spoiler, as this is in the publisher’s blurb). Luckily, the two cousins and Whitney’s cat are safe!
Whitney, Buck and the other main characters are quite engaging and the mystery kept me guessing, with lots of possible suspects. The cat, named Sawdust, is a fun character himself, with some short chapters focused on him and his thoughts. The local convenience store near the lake has a cute name, Get-N-Git, but the joke wore thin after too many repetitions. Every time Whitney makes a purchase there, she’s told (with a smile), “You got what you came for, now git.”
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Whitney, Buck and the other main characters are quite engaging and the mystery kept me guessing, with lots of possible suspects. The cat, named Sawdust, is a fun character himself, with some short chapters focused on him and his thoughts. The local convenience store near the lake has a cute name, Get-N-Git, but the joke wore thin after too many repetitions. Every time Whitney makes a purchase there, she’s told (with a smile), “You got what you came for, now git.”
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2023
TITLE: PRIMER AND PUNISHMENT
SERIES: A House Flipper Mystery 5
AUTHOR: Diane Kelly
PUB DATE: 02.21.2023 Now Available
Whitney Whitaker has a knack for nailing down murderers . . . but this time she might just come unmoored.
Whitney and Buck are back flipping another home but this time it’s an old houseboat by the one and only Grant Hardisty. But before the job is done, Grant is killed when the houseboat blows up, and cousins Whitney and Buck are getting threats. With the help of Detective Collin Flynn, finding the real killer sooner than later may prevent them from being the next one blown up.
I enjoy house flipping shows so this was a fun read to me. Though this is my first book in the series, I was able to enjoy this as a stand alone. I loved the characters and Sawdust, Whitney’s cat really steals the show. Recipes are included and I cannot wait to try those out.
SERIES: A House Flipper Mystery 5
AUTHOR: Diane Kelly
PUB DATE: 02.21.2023 Now Available
Whitney Whitaker has a knack for nailing down murderers . . . but this time she might just come unmoored.
Whitney and Buck are back flipping another home but this time it’s an old houseboat by the one and only Grant Hardisty. But before the job is done, Grant is killed when the houseboat blows up, and cousins Whitney and Buck are getting threats. With the help of Detective Collin Flynn, finding the real killer sooner than later may prevent them from being the next one blown up.
I enjoy house flipping shows so this was a fun read to me. Though this is my first book in the series, I was able to enjoy this as a stand alone. I loved the characters and Sawdust, Whitney’s cat really steals the show. Recipes are included and I cannot wait to try those out.
May 2, 2023
In this fifth installment in Diane Kelly’s House-Flipper cozy mystery series, cousins Whitney and Buck are now renovating a houseboat. When a nearby boat goes up in flames, Whitney and Buck again act as amateur sleuths as they try to discover who was responsible for the explosion that cost a man his life.
As it turns out, the man that died in explosion was not well-liked, thus there are no shortage of suspects who could have been responsible for his murder. This was an intriguing as well as informative story. For example, when painting a boat, how is the underside painted? I found that tidbit rather interesting.
Aside from a quick renovation education, the intrigue, plot and characters all worked well to make this book quite an enjoyable read. This review would not be complete if I didn’t factor in the interesting dialogue Sawdust the cat had running in this as well as the previous books in the series. Oh, and I also learned that there are cat life vests. Fun, entertaining and with excellent pacing, I loved that I binge read all five books in this series and could have easily kept on reading
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Paperbacks and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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February 10, 2023I did not realize when I got this from NetGalley that it was the fifth in a mystery series. I picked it because the cover suggested cozy mystery, and that's pretty much what you get. I read cozies when I wake at one a.m. and can't get back to sleep, and this story was perfect for that.
The two main characters are fun, there is a thread of romance, and there is even a cat inserted, because I guess cats are a hot item in cozy mysteries now. The cat chapters didn't add anything to the story, but that was okay--the rest was a fun read, which is all I asked for.
The two main characters are fun, there is a thread of romance, and there is even a cat inserted, because I guess cats are a hot item in cozy mysteries now. The cat chapters didn't add anything to the story, but that was okay--the rest was a fun read, which is all I asked for.
December 7, 2022
Whitney and Buck are expanding their business yet again, this time by flipping a houseboat. Getting to live on the boat while they’re working is a plus, even better is having a place to host the bachelorette and bachelor parties before selling the boat.
With a neighbor that sees to use people, Buck finds himself out of some serious change while the man himself finds himself out of time when is boat is blown to smithereens with him on it. Who wanted the man dead? Scratch that, who didn’t want the man out of their life is a better question. Did Whitney see anything that can help solve whodunit? Or will the killer get by Scott free this time?
Another good entry in this house flipping series. I come for the mysteries, but I also keep coming back for the progression in the life stories of the characters. It’s an enjoyable series with a cute kitty or two..super cozy and a solid mystery each time.
With a neighbor that sees to use people, Buck finds himself out of some serious change while the man himself finds himself out of time when is boat is blown to smithereens with him on it. Who wanted the man dead? Scratch that, who didn’t want the man out of their life is a better question. Did Whitney see anything that can help solve whodunit? Or will the killer get by Scott free this time?
Another good entry in this house flipping series. I come for the mysteries, but I also keep coming back for the progression in the life stories of the characters. It’s an enjoyable series with a cute kitty or two..super cozy and a solid mystery each time.
April 3, 2023
4.5 stars. An interesting and exciting mystery. Whitney and cousin Buck are house flippers that have decided to take on a houseboat this time. The guy in the slip next to theirs lives on his boat and after witnessing many angry visitors, Whitney is not surprised when he becomes a murder victim, when someone blows up his boat. The only question is who? There are plenty of suspects and no less than five people confess to the crime. Whitney decides to help the investigation since obviously at least four of them are lying. Outside of the mystery, the personal storylines are touching.
This is my second book in the series, having started with number four. I'm definitely going to go back and read the first three books that I missed.
This is my second book in the series, having started with number four. I'm definitely going to go back and read the first three books that I missed.
March 12, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press -- St. Martin's Paperbacks for accepting my request to read and review Primer and Punishment.
Published: 02/21/23
I liked the cover, and thought the color palate was perfect.
The fifth in this house flipping series, my first read in the series. I did chuckle at the flipping. When I think of cozy mystery types -- house flipping never entered my mind.
This was a miss for me. The restoration/flipping did not overwhelm the storyline. There was a nice mix. I didn't connect with the characters and struggled to finish the book.
I appreciated the ending and how it came together -- I found it to be clever.
Cozies are like all genres, while this didn't work for me, I suggest you try it: knitting, antiques, & wine are my cup of teas. But you never know until you try.
This is a 2.5 and I'm rounding up: clever ending and appealing cover.
I would gift this.
Published: 02/21/23
I liked the cover, and thought the color palate was perfect.
The fifth in this house flipping series, my first read in the series. I did chuckle at the flipping. When I think of cozy mystery types -- house flipping never entered my mind.
This was a miss for me. The restoration/flipping did not overwhelm the storyline. There was a nice mix. I didn't connect with the characters and struggled to finish the book.
I appreciated the ending and how it came together -- I found it to be clever.
Cozies are like all genres, while this didn't work for me, I suggest you try it: knitting, antiques, & wine are my cup of teas. But you never know until you try.
This is a 2.5 and I'm rounding up: clever ending and appealing cover.
I would gift this.
February 12, 2023
Primer and Punishment the 5th instalment in the House Flipper Mysteries series by Diane Kelly. This is 4th book I have read in the series, and it can be read as a standalone.
Whitney Whitaker has a knack for nailing down murderers . . . but this time she might just come unmoored.
The characters of Whitney, Sawdust (cat), Buck, Collin and Collette are ones I have really come to love. I also enjoy the setting of Nashville, Tennessee. I like how the series continues to alternate chapters narrated by Whitney and her cat Sawdust.
This time around they are flipping an old rundown houseboat and living on it during the repairs. It becomes a great place to hold the bachelorette and bachelor parties, have some fun out on the water. I like where the characters are heading in their personal live too. Overall I really like this series and it’s on my must read list.
The mystery is interesting and had lots of twists which kept me guessing. I had no idea who the killer was till Whitney did.
I highly recommend to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from St.Martin Press and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Whitney Whitaker has a knack for nailing down murderers . . . but this time she might just come unmoored.
The characters of Whitney, Sawdust (cat), Buck, Collin and Collette are ones I have really come to love. I also enjoy the setting of Nashville, Tennessee. I like how the series continues to alternate chapters narrated by Whitney and her cat Sawdust.
This time around they are flipping an old rundown houseboat and living on it during the repairs. It becomes a great place to hold the bachelorette and bachelor parties, have some fun out on the water. I like where the characters are heading in their personal live too. Overall I really like this series and it’s on my must read list.
The mystery is interesting and had lots of twists which kept me guessing. I had no idea who the killer was till Whitney did.
I highly recommend to all my cozy mystery loving friends.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from St.Martin Press and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 22, 2023
In short: Whitney & her cousin are flipping a houseboat when the neighbors cabin cruiser is blown up with him inside.
What I liked:
🛠️Fixer upper theme
🛠️That multiple people confess. Added an interesting layer to sleuthing.
🛠️The cat Sawdust and his observations
🛠️Enjoyable characters
Finals thoughts: This was the 1st book in this series that I’ve read and I loved it! I will definitely go back and read the rest now. I really liked the fixer upper theme and that the main characters are cousins. The plot was a well laid out puzzle with so many suspects and confessions. I loved trying to figure out what really happened.
What I liked:
🛠️Fixer upper theme
🛠️That multiple people confess. Added an interesting layer to sleuthing.
🛠️The cat Sawdust and his observations
🛠️Enjoyable characters
Finals thoughts: This was the 1st book in this series that I’ve read and I loved it! I will definitely go back and read the rest now. I really liked the fixer upper theme and that the main characters are cousins. The plot was a well laid out puzzle with so many suspects and confessions. I loved trying to figure out what really happened.
February 4, 2023
I was gifted an advance copy by the publisher, and I really enjoyed this book! I can't wait to read the first 4 in the series. Even though it's a series, it's was great as a stand alone. The plot twists had me guessing and second guessing right up to the big reveal. Also, I'm very partial to cats and loved Sawdust. I highly recommend. #PrimerAndPunishmentBook
March 25, 2023
Primer and Punishment Earns 5/5 Boat Slips … Entertaining Gem!
The book: Diane Kelly’s fifth book in her House Flipper Mystery series “flipped” me out from its clever mystery and strong female lead to a complex investigation and perilous arrest, then add an insightful viewpoint of Sawdust the cat and a drink and dessert recipe. The premise: Our Whittaker cousin, Whitney and Buck, are venturing beyond the tradition house-flipping project with a really in need of repairs houseboat, christened The Skinny Dipper, floating in a river near Nashville, Tennessee. The conflict: The neighboring boat owner, Grant Hardisty, is the most challenging: late-night parties, his dog barking, and grilling fish. They ask Grant to move his boat, The Sexy Sheila, father out on the water until they finish their project. The murder: He complies, but his boat blows up with Grant on board ... arson! The verdict: The murder mystery was extremely intriguing and “couldn’t put down” fun with several exes, online dating, suspects taking the blame, threats to Whitney and Buck, and a perilous arrest. Extras: There was so much more to enjoy from the cat’s perspective, information about boat repairs, Buck and Collette’s wedding, endearing cousin dynamic, and of course, recipes .. Mermaid Paradise Punch and Life-Preserver Donuts! Loved it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
The book: Diane Kelly’s fifth book in her House Flipper Mystery series “flipped” me out from its clever mystery and strong female lead to a complex investigation and perilous arrest, then add an insightful viewpoint of Sawdust the cat and a drink and dessert recipe. The premise: Our Whittaker cousin, Whitney and Buck, are venturing beyond the tradition house-flipping project with a really in need of repairs houseboat, christened The Skinny Dipper, floating in a river near Nashville, Tennessee. The conflict: The neighboring boat owner, Grant Hardisty, is the most challenging: late-night parties, his dog barking, and grilling fish. They ask Grant to move his boat, The Sexy Sheila, father out on the water until they finish their project. The murder: He complies, but his boat blows up with Grant on board ... arson! The verdict: The murder mystery was extremely intriguing and “couldn’t put down” fun with several exes, online dating, suspects taking the blame, threats to Whitney and Buck, and a perilous arrest. Extras: There was so much more to enjoy from the cat’s perspective, information about boat repairs, Buck and Collette’s wedding, endearing cousin dynamic, and of course, recipes .. Mermaid Paradise Punch and Life-Preserver Donuts! Loved it!
Disclosure: I received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
April 6, 2024
PRIMER AND PUNISHMENT is the fifth installment in the House Flipper Mystery series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I truly believe that you miss out on all the character development when you don't start a series from the beginning.
After their last successful flip, cousins Buck and Whitney are on the hunt for their next project. Buck calls with exciting news--he's found it! For the first time, the cousins will be renovating a houseboat, but they are always up for the challenge of trying something new, and the profit margin is significant as well.
Their neighbor in the adjacent slip is Grant Hardisty, who is charming and handsome, but the cousins soon learn he's left a string of angry ex-wives behind, and they also discover he's not even the owner of the boat that he's inhabiting. Having cheated his friends out of their own property, it's no wonder that the boat explodes one day with Grant aboard, who is blown to bits. The puzzling thing is, multiple people confess to his murder.
I love this series and have enjoyed the character development that's been present in every book. Based on the ending, I can't wait for the next book that releases later this month. This book is out now and was part of my backlist challenge.
After their last successful flip, cousins Buck and Whitney are on the hunt for their next project. Buck calls with exciting news--he's found it! For the first time, the cousins will be renovating a houseboat, but they are always up for the challenge of trying something new, and the profit margin is significant as well.
Their neighbor in the adjacent slip is Grant Hardisty, who is charming and handsome, but the cousins soon learn he's left a string of angry ex-wives behind, and they also discover he's not even the owner of the boat that he's inhabiting. Having cheated his friends out of their own property, it's no wonder that the boat explodes one day with Grant aboard, who is blown to bits. The puzzling thing is, multiple people confess to his murder.
I love this series and have enjoyed the character development that's been present in every book. Based on the ending, I can't wait for the next book that releases later this month. This book is out now and was part of my backlist challenge.
February 13, 2023
I really enjoyed the setting of this one! I mean, renovating a houseboat?! How fun!! It reminds me of the couple of family vacations we took on a houseboat on Lake Powell!
I liked the cousin duo, Whitney & Buck. Their relationship was great to see. They picked on each other (teasing like) but you can tell their business relationship meshes well together. They make a great team!
I’ve never read a cozy mystery where there is another point of view. And this one has about 9 chapters about a page long of Whitney’s cat, Sawdust. Does it add anything to the storyline? Not really. Is it a cute little addition though? Yep!
This was a fun cozy mystery! I definitely want to go and read books 1-4 now. I really like the house flipping aspect and the characters. Can’t wait to learn more about them.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the cousin duo, Whitney & Buck. Their relationship was great to see. They picked on each other (teasing like) but you can tell their business relationship meshes well together. They make a great team!
I’ve never read a cozy mystery where there is another point of view. And this one has about 9 chapters about a page long of Whitney’s cat, Sawdust. Does it add anything to the storyline? Not really. Is it a cute little addition though? Yep!
This was a fun cozy mystery! I definitely want to go and read books 1-4 now. I really like the house flipping aspect and the characters. Can’t wait to learn more about them.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2023
I always enjoy visiting with the characters in Diane Kelly’s books; her stories are always good for a laugh. This one finds Whitney and Buck renovating a houseboat and introduces a new set of quirky characters that will have you wondering how anyone could have ever liked the eventual murder victim. The mystery flowed well and, except for Whitney’s over-enthusiastic interrogation style, I adored the time spent in Nashville learning about houseboats and water safety.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
February 24, 2023
I love this series and this book is no exception! Whitney and Buck are flipping a new to them type of ‘house’, a houseboat! We get plenty of details about lake life to go along with their murder investigation.
The murder investigation is complicated by the number of people that the victim defrauded. There were so many suspects and even a few false confessions. The false confession was different from other cozies I have read and I liked that. The solution was unexpected, but there had been clues that I didn’t pick up on originally.
At the end we get a lovely family event to experience. This would be a great read to get you ready for lake season!
The murder investigation is complicated by the number of people that the victim defrauded. There were so many suspects and even a few false confessions. The false confession was different from other cozies I have read and I liked that. The solution was unexpected, but there had been clues that I didn’t pick up on originally.
At the end we get a lovely family event to experience. This would be a great read to get you ready for lake season!
December 21, 2022
Primer and Punishment is the 5th in the House Flipper series. It takes place in Nashville, Tennessee. Whitney Whitaker is the main character along with her cousin, Buck Whitaker. She and Buck fix up houses to resell. Colette is one of her roommates who owns her own restaurant and Buck's fiancé. Emmalee is her other roommate who works for Colette's assistant manager. Collin Flynn is her boyfriend who is a homicide detective with the Metro Nashville Police Department. Buck tells Whitney that he has found their next project. It is a houseboat called Skinny Dipper. It needs work but she agrees to buy it.
After buying the boat they decide to live on the boat while they work on it. Whitney brings her cat Sawdust as she did not want to leave him at home. They start work on the boat by clearing out the boat, sanding down the furniture, replacing the generator, etc. There is a boat named Sexy Sheila in the slip next to them. A boat pulls up and a man gets off it with fish and boards the boat. A dog named Jojo is in the cabin. He comes back out with the dog and some beers. He asks them if they would like to join him. His name is Grant Hardisty. He tells them that he bought the boat from a friend whose wife was named Sheila. He was a bartender but is not able to work because he hurt his leg. He is living on the boat as he is in the middle of a divorce.
Mick and Sheila come with a check to buy back their boat but he tells them he can't sell it back to them at this time as he is in the middle of a divorce and is living on the boat. Grant's two ex-wives - Jackie and Denna also have a lot to do with the story. This is where the story takes off with lots of things happening which I will leave to the reader as I don't want to spoil it. There is a build up with the death of Grant when the Sexy Sheila blows up with him aboard and finding out who killed him. The ending of the story is Buck and Colette's wedding and Collin giving Whitney a ring,
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next adventure in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.
After buying the boat they decide to live on the boat while they work on it. Whitney brings her cat Sawdust as she did not want to leave him at home. They start work on the boat by clearing out the boat, sanding down the furniture, replacing the generator, etc. There is a boat named Sexy Sheila in the slip next to them. A boat pulls up and a man gets off it with fish and boards the boat. A dog named Jojo is in the cabin. He comes back out with the dog and some beers. He asks them if they would like to join him. His name is Grant Hardisty. He tells them that he bought the boat from a friend whose wife was named Sheila. He was a bartender but is not able to work because he hurt his leg. He is living on the boat as he is in the middle of a divorce.
Mick and Sheila come with a check to buy back their boat but he tells them he can't sell it back to them at this time as he is in the middle of a divorce and is living on the boat. Grant's two ex-wives - Jackie and Denna also have a lot to do with the story. This is where the story takes off with lots of things happening which I will leave to the reader as I don't want to spoil it. There is a build up with the death of Grant when the Sexy Sheila blows up with him aboard and finding out who killed him. The ending of the story is Buck and Colette's wedding and Collin giving Whitney a ring,
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next adventure in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.
December 1, 2022
Primer and Punishment, the fifth book in the very entertaining House Flipper Mystery series by Diane Kelly, once again had me guessing until the final chapters…Ms Kelly is masterful in misdirections with a plethora of likely and interesting suspects.
With the perfect combination of red herrings, believable plot twists and turns, a multitude of elements of the crime moving and shifting to keep the reader engaged, and a most dislikable victim who had wrong so many suspects that it was easy seeing any of them as the culprit…the pages couldn’t be turned fast enough. And that Whitney and Buck’s latest flip project was a houseboat gave a whole new perspective to their flipping enterprise. This author has been quite inventive in the duos projects…a church and rectory turned into a theatre and restaurant (respectably) are case in point.
Also, as the series has evolved and Whitney and Buck’s house flipping business has grown and developed, as well as their individual personal lives have evolved, it has been rewarding to have been along for the ride from the beginning, and to be emotionally invested in what the future holds for Whitney and Buck with their business and personal lives.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by NetGalley and the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
With the perfect combination of red herrings, believable plot twists and turns, a multitude of elements of the crime moving and shifting to keep the reader engaged, and a most dislikable victim who had wrong so many suspects that it was easy seeing any of them as the culprit…the pages couldn’t be turned fast enough. And that Whitney and Buck’s latest flip project was a houseboat gave a whole new perspective to their flipping enterprise. This author has been quite inventive in the duos projects…a church and rectory turned into a theatre and restaurant (respectably) are case in point.
Also, as the series has evolved and Whitney and Buck’s house flipping business has grown and developed, as well as their individual personal lives have evolved, it has been rewarding to have been along for the ride from the beginning, and to be emotionally invested in what the future holds for Whitney and Buck with their business and personal lives.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by NetGalley and the Publisher. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
November 25, 2022
This is a fun cozy mystery series featuring Whitney and her cousin Buck. The cousins are house flippers and they really enjoy what the do.
When Buck presents them with a unique opportunity, flip a house boat, Whitney is immediately intrigued.
Of course nothing ever goes according to plan, and when Whitney and Buck witness a horrific accident, Whitney finds herself wrapped up in another murder investigation.
This is a series that gets better with each book. The characters are easy to like, and I do enjoy reading fixer upper themed cozy mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#PrimerandPunishment #NetGalley
When Buck presents them with a unique opportunity, flip a house boat, Whitney is immediately intrigued.
Of course nothing ever goes according to plan, and when Whitney and Buck witness a horrific accident, Whitney finds herself wrapped up in another murder investigation.
This is a series that gets better with each book. The characters are easy to like, and I do enjoy reading fixer upper themed cozy mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#PrimerandPunishment #NetGalley
November 30, 2022
This is a fun cozy mystery series featuring Whitney and her cousin Buck. The cousins are house flippers and they really enjoy what the do. When Buck presents them with a unique opportunity, flip a house boat, Whitney is immediately intrigued. Of course nothing ever goes according to plan, and when Whitney and Buck witness a horrific accident, Whitney finds herself wrapped up in another murder investigation. This is a series that gets better with each book. The characters are easy to like, and I do enjoy reading fixer upper themed cozy mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book. #PrimerandPunishment #NetGalley
May 8, 2023
Renovating a houseboat while staying on it seems enticing to Whitney and Buck and the perfect setting for Buck and Collette’s bachelor and bachelorette parties. That is, until the neighbor's ex-wives show up, and his boat is blown into smithereens, along with its owner, and sends Sawdust flying into the lake. Is it murder or just a horrible accident? There is only one way to find out; Whitney is on the case.
The cast of suspects is plentiful, colorful and gives readers endless possibilities. Sawdust is at his feline finest. But when several suspects confess to the murder of a neighbor near her and Buck’s houseboat project, it makes readers sit up and take notice. Throw in a couple of ex-wives, a deal gone wrong, and you have everything needed for mystery and intrigue. The motive and means are cut and dried; there is no need to search for why the victim is blown to pieces. The only thing readers need to figure out is the who. But this might not be as easy as some may think.
The killer's identity is slowly revealed, and honestly, no one is surprised. But as usual, uncovering a killer is never easy and always puts Whitney in peril. The narration of Sawdust is a fun part of this series, and readers will be happy to know that he plays a significant role in this story. The situation with the ex-wives is cleared up, and the houseboat is finished in the nick of time. Primer and Punishment is a welcome addition to the series and will leave fans clamoring for more
The cast of suspects is plentiful, colorful and gives readers endless possibilities. Sawdust is at his feline finest. But when several suspects confess to the murder of a neighbor near her and Buck’s houseboat project, it makes readers sit up and take notice. Throw in a couple of ex-wives, a deal gone wrong, and you have everything needed for mystery and intrigue. The motive and means are cut and dried; there is no need to search for why the victim is blown to pieces. The only thing readers need to figure out is the who. But this might not be as easy as some may think.
The killer's identity is slowly revealed, and honestly, no one is surprised. But as usual, uncovering a killer is never easy and always puts Whitney in peril. The narration of Sawdust is a fun part of this series, and readers will be happy to know that he plays a significant role in this story. The situation with the ex-wives is cleared up, and the houseboat is finished in the nick of time. Primer and Punishment is a welcome addition to the series and will leave fans clamoring for more
February 16, 2023
Carpenters and cousins Whitney and Buck are hunting for their next project. They are house flippers and love a challenge. Buck has just the property - a houseboat. Whitney is on board with the purchase so they gather up her cat Sawdust and move onto the boat, planning on living on it while doing the renovations. Too bad the neighbor in the next slip turns out to be a real slime. With numerous ex-wives and shady financial dealings for a start, it isn't long before one of his many enemies blows his boat to Kingdom come, taking him with it. The list of suspects is long but more than one of them steps forward to tell the police "I did it". That isn't usually the case and Whiney and Buck are drawn into the investigation. It's a well crafted puzzle to solve complete with plenty of red herrings to trip up the armchair detective. I enjoyed every page as I have with each of the five books - so far - in the series.
My thanks to the publisher St, Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to the publisher St, Martin's and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2023
Buck and Whitney start rennovating a boat (instead of the usual home) after Buck had already look at it and wanted to make sure that Whitney was onboard to work with him. This was interesting with the different scopes of work they did and what it took to get the boat up to date and to be resold. They work from the bottom up and the inside out but in the end it turn out better than expected. On top of this their neighbor in the ship next to them one day takes his boat out because Buck requested him to in order not to get the fumes of the guy's grill when he is cooking fish on his boat. Unfortunately, there is an explosion and the guy dies. Whitney and Buck wonder if it was one of his ex-wives or ex-friends, etc. who decided to get even. We also get snippets of the little gat called Sawdust.
February 17, 2023
Twinkle twinkle little star…
I haven’t read the previous books in this series and I didn’t feel lost or anything. This series can truly be read as a stand-alone.
This series is perfect for cozy mystery readers. It’s cute and has a good mystery! Whitney and Buck flip homes together.
For this installment they are flipping a house boat. One of their neighbors, is a sleazeball and he ends up being murdered.
The narrator, Courtney Patterson did a wonderful job using a variety of tones and inflections portraying the characters. She was a perfect voice for Whitney.
At times I found Whitney to be a bit meddlesome, but without her no one would have gotten the clues.
The story kept me engaged and it had a sweet ending as well.
✨Special thanks to Netgalley, Tantor Media, and St. Martins Press for the gifted copy and ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I haven’t read the previous books in this series and I didn’t feel lost or anything. This series can truly be read as a stand-alone.
This series is perfect for cozy mystery readers. It’s cute and has a good mystery! Whitney and Buck flip homes together.
For this installment they are flipping a house boat. One of their neighbors, is a sleazeball and he ends up being murdered.
The narrator, Courtney Patterson did a wonderful job using a variety of tones and inflections portraying the characters. She was a perfect voice for Whitney.
At times I found Whitney to be a bit meddlesome, but without her no one would have gotten the clues.
The story kept me engaged and it had a sweet ending as well.
✨Special thanks to Netgalley, Tantor Media, and St. Martins Press for the gifted copy and ALC in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2023
Cousins Buck and Whitney are trying a new challenge - flipping a houseboat. Fortunately, it should go quickly so they will not have to put up with Grant, an annoying neighbor, for long. However, Grant seems to have irritated a lot of people and when his boat explodes there are a number of suspects. The unusual thing is that there are also a number of confessions.
I really enjoy this series with the unique flips and great friend and family relationships. Sawdust, the cat, also has some cute little chapters giving his perspective. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoy this series with the unique flips and great friend and family relationships. Sawdust, the cat, also has some cute little chapters giving his perspective. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
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